Science & Research Conferences in Africa
Africa is poised to host a series of pivotal science and research conferences in 2025, underscoring the continent’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation across various disciplines. These gatherings will serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of scientific excellence.
Deep Learning Indaba 2025
Scheduled for 2025, the Deep Learning Indaba will convene at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. Since its inception in 2017, this annual event has been instrumental in strengthening machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity across Africa. The conference brings together students, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to engage in tutorials, workshops, and discussions on advanced AI topics. Previous editions have been hosted in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, reflecting its pan-African reach and impact. (en.wikipedia.org)
IST-Africa 2025
From May 28 to 30, 2025, Nairobi, Kenya, will host the IST-Africa 2025 conference. Organized by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education and the National Research Fund, and supported by the European Commission and the African Union Commission, this event marks the twentieth in a series of ministerial-level technology research conferences. IST-Africa 2025 aims to showcase technology-enabled research, innovation, and ICT4D activities, providing a forum for strategic keynote presentations, technical and policy papers, and workshops. It also offers opportunities to identify potential partners for future research cooperation under Horizon Europe. (nrf.go.ke)
NewSpace Africa Conference 2025
The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 is set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, at Egypt Space City. This annual gathering focuses on space innovation, investment, and policy, bringing together policymakers, space agency officials, private companies, and academic experts. The 2025 edition is particularly significant as it coincides with the official inauguration of the African Space Agency and the launch of the EU-Africa Space Programme, a €100 million initiative. The event is expected to attract over 500 delegates from more than 65 countries, including representatives from NASA, the African Union, the European Space Agency, and the U.S. Department of State. (en.wikipedia.org)
GITEX Africa 2025
Marrakesh, Morocco, will host GITEX Africa 2025 from April 14 to 16. As the African edition of the renowned GITEX event based in Dubai, this technology exhibition and conference aims to advance digital transformation across the continent. The 2025 edition is anticipated to be the largest yet, spotlighting Africa’s progress in artificial intelligence, connectivity, and digital finance. The event expects participation from over 400 investors managing $250 billion in assets across more than 35 countries, alongside tech leaders and corporate buyers. Notably, Ericsson has confirmed its participation to showcase AI, connectivity, and sustainable tech solutions supporting Morocco’s Vision 2030 and Africa’s digital future. (en.wikipedia.org)
International Conference on Applied Research and Engineering (ICARAE 2025)
The International Conference on Applied Research and Engineering (ICARAE 2025) is scheduled to be held in Gauteng, South Africa, from November 21 to 23, 2025. Hosted at the Science Campus in Florida, this conference aims to bring together professional engineers, technologists, academics, researchers, and postgraduate students to share their research findings in various fields of science and engineering. The event will feature a rigorous peer review process, with accepted papers published in Materials Proceedings, an open-access journal under the MDPI Publisher. (w2.unisa.ac.za)
Pan-African Paediatric Surgical Association (PAPSA) Conference 2025
The 17th PAPSA Conference is slated for 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Since its first conference in 1994, PAPSA has been dedicated to advancing paediatric surgical care across the continent. The biennial conference serves as a platform for paediatric surgeons to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore innovations in the field. Previous conferences have been held in various African cities, including Nairobi, Cairo, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. (en.wikipedia.org)
SciFest Africa
SciFest Africa, South Africa’s national science festival, is traditionally held annually in late March or early April in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The festival features over 600 events, including lectures, interactive exhibitions, workshops, educational theatre, and field trips. It aims to break through popular misconceptions and create a new mindset about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by demonstrating that these disciplines underpin everyday activities. While specific dates for the 2025 edition have yet to be announced, the festival continues to be a significant event in promoting a culture of science in Africa. (en.wikipedia.org)
These conferences exemplify Africa’s dynamic and growing role in the global scientific community. By hosting such diverse and impactful events, the continent is fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing that is essential for addressing both regional and global challenges.
